Of all the recordings of Tchaikovsky's ballet suites (and I know at least ten, including Ormandy, Ansermet, Dutoit, Rotropowitch etc.), this is definitely the most opulent musical. Karajan is spreading with the fabulous Berlin Philharmonic from an opulent tapestry of sound and revels in tonal silkiness and delicacy - a single dream. Each number is lovingly celebrated and savored with relish. Especially the wonderfully elegiac opening motif may be mentioned from the "Swan Lake", which is nowhere so beautifully presented melancholic and calm as here. And the panorama from the "Sleeping Beauty", which sounds almost like from a distance and once evokes the image of the sleeping royal palace. Poetry Pure, a fantastically beautiful CD! Also suitable for children as an introduction to classical music. Highly Recommended !!!
